Print Options:

Spiced Beef Burger





Yields
Serves 4 to 6



Total Time
40 mins

Middle Eastern kofta kebabs (spiced ground lamb or beef shaped around skewers) are delicious, but a bit of a project. Here, a similar spice blend flavors a weeknight-friendly burger.

 

su-Spiced Beef Burger Image




Photo: Annabelle Breakey Styling: Jeffrey Larsen 

 2 garlic cloves
 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
 1/4 cup grated onion (use a Microplane)
 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
 2 teaspoons ground coriander
 2 teaspoons ground cumin
 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
 1/2 teaspoon pepper
 1/4 cup finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (at least 20 percent fat for a juicier burger)
  Olive oil for brushing pita
 3 pita breads
  About 3/4 cup store-bought tzatziki
  Cucumber and tomato slices, butter lettuce, and fresh mint leaves
Step 1
1

Heat a gas or charcoal grill to medium-high (400°), or heat a stovetop grill pan over medium-high heat.

Step 2
2

Mince garlic with salt, then smash with the flat side of the knife into a paste. Scrape into a large bowl and stir in ginger, onion, cayenne, coriander, cumin, allspice, pepper, and parsley until thoroughly combined.

Step 3
3

Add ground beef. With your hands, gently mix.

Step 4
4

Shape mixture into 6 oblong patties that will each fit in a pita half, making patties about 3/4 in. thick. Oil cooking grate, using tongs and a wad of oiled paper towels. Grill patties until well browned and just pink inside, 4 to 5 minutes per side.

Step 5
5

Cut pita breads in half crosswise. Gently loosen the halves to form pockets. Brush each with oil and add to grill. Toast pita until pale golden and crisp, 1 to 2 minutes. Spread inside of each pocket with 1 to 2 tbsp. tzatziki. Tuck burger inside, followed by cucumber, tomato, lettuce, and mint leaves.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 0

Amount Per Serving
Calories 317Calories from Fat 42
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 15g24%

Saturated Fat 5.3g27%
Cholesterol 70mg24%
Sodium 603mg26%
Total Carbohydrate 20g7%

Dietary Fiber 1.4g6%
Protein 24g48%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.